Community News: Central

LITTLE TOKYO : Nisei Week Focuses on Japanese Culture

A Japanese drum festival, a parade, martial arts demonstrations, and a tea ceremony are some of the events to be held during the upcoming Nisei Week Japanese Festival from Aug. 12 through Aug. 20.

The festival, begun in 1934, is a celebration of Japanese culture, said Kats Kunitsugu, a spokeswoman for the Nisei Week Japanese Festival Committee.

"The purpose is for the younger generation to get back to their roots," Kunitsugu said.

Nisei, which originally meant second-generation Japanese American, has come to signify Japanese Americans in general, Kunitsugu said.

The week's biggest event is the Grand Parade, which begins at 4 p.m. Aug. 13 in Little Tokyo. Viewers are encouraged to arrive early.

Other events include a street arts-and-crafts festival on Central Avenue from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Aug. 19 and 20; a taiko drum festival at 2 p.m. at the Japan America Theatre on Aug. 12; and martial arts demonstrations and other cultural events throughout the week.